HeliTaxi service starts between Bengaluru airport and city today

A helicopter shuttle service (HeliTaxi) was opened in Bengaluru on Monday for the public between the Bengaluru airport and the city, in a bid to provide last-mile connectivity.

The Bengaluru International Airport Limited (BIAL), located in Devanahalli, about 40 km from the city center, had tied up with helicopter service provider Thumby Aviation to ferry air passengers to and from the city.

The rates are yet to be fixed but Minister of State for Civil Aviation Jayant Sinha has urged for the fare to be kept at affordable levels. “I request the operators to price it at affordable rates. That’s what we have done with airlines. If heli taxi prices are at pegged at air-conditioned cab prices, the demand will increase,” Sinha said.

Those who want to avail the service can book a seat through the app (Heli Taxii). The fare is ₹4,130 per person, including GST. Once passengers exit the arrival lounge, the company has arranged vehicles to ferry passengers to its facility in the KIA premises, which would be a four-minute ride. For those heading to KIA, the company vehicle will drop passengers at the departure lounge.

At Electronics City, the helicopter will land in Thumby Aviation’s facility in Phase I, near the toll plaza.